University of Hawaii at Manoa's published cost of attendance reaches $23,832 per year, including $12,186 in-state tuition, $14,936 for room and board, and $1,350 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $13,181 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,651 through institutional and federal assistance programs.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $23,832 |
| Tuition and Fees | $34,218 |
| Room and Board | $14,936 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,350 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,651 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $13,181 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $7,397 |
| $30–48k | $9,971 |
| $48–75k | $13,381 |
| $75–110k | $16,795 |
| $110k+ | $20,462 |
University of Hawaii at Manoa's published cost of attendance reaches $23,832 per year, including $12,186 in-state tuition, $14,936 for room and board, and $1,350 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $13,181 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,651 through institutional and federal assistance programs. This net price places University of Hawaii at Manoa $2,409 above the peer median of $15,590, indicating somewhat higher costs than similar institutions.
The substantial difference between sticker price and actual cost demonstrates the university's commitment to making education accessible through financial aid, though families should expect to pay above-average amounts relative to peer institutions. Out-of-state students face significantly higher published tuition of $34,218, though financial aid helps offset these costs for eligible families. The university's pricing structure reflects its role as Hawaii's flagship public institution, balancing resident affordability with the higher costs of island-based education and operations.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Hawaii at Manoa graduates carry median debt of $18,500, with borrowing ranging from $6,250 at the 25th percentile to $25,000 at the 75th percentile. This debt level places the university at the 77th percentile nationally, indicating well above average performance in controlling student borrowing.
However, median debt exceeds the peer median of $20,000 by $1,500, suggesting slightly higher borrowing than similar institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 indicates that typical graduates dedicate approximately one-third of their annual income to student loan obligations, which falls within manageable parameters for most career paths.
Parent PLUS loans average $27,461 with monthly payments of $362, representing additional family borrowing that some students require. The controlled debt levels, combined with reasonable earnings outcomes, create sustainable repayment scenarios for most graduates, though families should carefully consider total borrowing across all loan programs.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Hawaii at Manoa graduates earn $15,521 less than expectations relative to similar students nationally, placing the university in the 5.5th percentile for earnings beyond expectations. This below-average return indicates challenges in translating educational investment into wage premiums.
However, median earnings of $57,624 rank at the 65th percentile nationally, demonstrating above-average absolute outcomes even with disappointing relative performance. The combination of controlled debt levels ($1,500 below peer median) with solid absolute earnings creates mixed investment dynamics.
Graduates benefit from manageable repayment obligations while facing earnings that fall short of their educational potential. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 supports long-term financial stability, even though return on educational investment disappoints compared to similar institutions.
University of Hawaii at Manoa enrolls 24.5% Pell-eligible students, below the national average for public institutions but reflecting the university's mixed socioeconomic composition. The $10,651 average financial aid savings indicates robust support systems that make education accessible across income levels.
Aid concentration toward lower-income families, evidenced by the $13,065 spread between highest and lowest net prices, demonstrates targeted assistance where it provides the greatest impact. The financial aid profile supports the university's role as an access-oriented institution while acknowledging that middle and upper-income families bear substantial costs.
Students from lower-income backgrounds benefit significantly from federal Pell grants and state aid programs, while those from higher-income families should expect to pay closer to published prices. The aid structure encourages enrollment from diverse economic backgrounds while ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access for students with the greatest need.
